PHOENIX — The Mets are both potential buyers and sellers heading to Tuesday’s non-waiver trading deadline, assistant general manager John Ricco said Thursday.
“We’re not as aggressive as we were a couple of weeks ago on the buying, but if there is an upgrade there, we would definitely consider it,” Ricco said before the Mets’ 3-1 win over the Diamondbacks. “We’re talking to everybody, but we don’t have a big name we’re looking to [trade] or looking to acquire.”
Ricco added that he could see the Mets making a “small” move by July 31.
The bullpen remains a primary focus, but general manager Sandy Alderson hasn’t abandoned the idea of finding a righty-hitting backup catcher, according to Ricco. Earlier this month, the Mets had serious interest in Colorado’s Ramon Hernandez.
Ricco said there is almost no chance the Mets would add a starting pitcher.
“Sandy is just keeping his fingers on the pulse right now,” Ricco said, referring to Alderson. We’re looking at it both ways. We’re just touching base to see if anything makes sense.”
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ManagerTerry Collins said he has spoken to Triple-A manager Wally Bachman about using Lucas Duda almost exclusively in the outfield as the struggling slugger attempts to regain his stroke and get back to the majors. Collins previously said Duda might split time between left field and first base for Buffalo, but the plan now calls for Duda in left field and right field, with perhaps an occasional game at first base. The Mets have not given up on the possibility of Duda playing right field in the majors, according to Collins.
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Catcher Rob Johnson was summoned from Buffalo, Collins said, mostly because of his familiarity with Matt Harvey, who made his major league debut last night. But Collins doesn’t envision Johnson becoming Harvey’s personal catcher. Johnson went 0-for-3, but had a sacrifice fly.
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Frank Francisco is scheduled to make a second rehab appearance for Double-A Binghamton tonight. The right-hander, who is recovering from a strained left oblique, allowed a run on three hits over two-thirds of an inning for Binghamton on Wednesday. Collins said Francisco will tell the Mets when he is ready to rejoin the team.
mpuma@nypost.com